A pensioner who drove "too close" to a cyclist has been handed his first motoring fine in 40 years after a video vigilante contacted police.
Wayne Humphreys, 77, was recorded on a country road driving his white Audi Q7 in Wales last year.
The footage, which showed his car passing close to a cyclist, was sent to GoSafe, Wales’s roads policing team meant to reduce road casualties and save lives.
Mr Humphreys, a warehouse boss, was contacted over the manoeuvre but did not attend a course or pay a fixed penalty notice.
He was prosecuted at Cardiff Magistrates Court for driving without due care and attention and given four penalty points, and ordered to pay £1,887 in a fine and costs.
‘I think the fine is absolutely appalling’
Mr Humphreys said: "I think the fine is absolutely appalling. I am 77 years of age and the last fine I had was 35 to 40 years ago for doing 34 miles per hour in a 30 zone.
"Other than that I have never had a fine and I have had a licence for 60 years."
The video was uploaded to the GoSafe’s Operation Snap portal, a site where the public can submit footage of possible traffic offences.
Mr Humphreys said he and his son measured the road in Bridgend, South Wales, and estimated the gap he left for the cyclist was sufficient and safe.
He added: "Taking into account the cyclist and his bike, there would have still been at least four feet of space.
"I find it absolutely incredible this has happened. I don’t know whether to appeal it or not. It will probably just cost me more money.
"This has already cost me about £4,500 with the money for the court and the solicitor.
"It doesn’t make sense to me."
‘Submissions are taken seriously’
A GoSafe spokesman said: "GoSafe regularly receives similar submissions through Op Snap and has worked closely with drivers and cycling groups to develop Operation Close Pass, which looks to educate both drivers and cyclists on how to stay safe on our roads.
"This includes promoting one of the fundamental things to remember when overtaking a cyclist, to reduce your speed and always leave 1.5 metres (4.92ft) between your vehicle and a cyclist, whenever safe to do so.
"Despite this, unfortunately, GoSafe continues to receive regular Op Snap submissions relating to close pass incidents. This outcome shows that these submissions are taken seriously and given the appropriate amount of attention, as we continue to work towards ensuring that our roads are safer for everyone."
The introduction the Operation Snap portal is expected to lead to an increase in the numbers of fines for motorists who drive dangerously near cyclists, particularly after the Highway Code updated rules to boost protection for those on bicycles.
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